The Member for Western Victoria said he had opened the second office to give residents of the far south-west of the state better access to state government processes.

Mr Purcell told The Standard over the weekend he was still “undecided” if he would run in the lower or upper house.

If he runs lower, he will contest the South West Coast election against Liberal Party sitting member Roma Britnell, Labor Party candidate Kylie Gaston and The Greens Tom Campbell. Democratic Labour Party candidate Christian Schultink is running in the upper house. 

Mr Purcell said the office in Portland’s Percy Street would be open two days a week, with staff available to meet with community members and hear and refer their issues and concerns to government departments.

It is a permanent office that will remain after the November election, if Mr Purcell is re-elected.

"Having this office in Portland means we can really work hard over the coming months to get issues raised within government and help locals cut through red tape and solve ongoing issues," Mr Purcell said.

“Opening the office is a direct result of community feedback; we have regular days in and around Portland meeting with businesses and individuals but we have been aware of the lack of a permanent office.

"Many Portland residents have told me they find it very difficult to reach local representatives based in Warrnambool. A local office gives them the opportunity to be heard and have their issues investigated properly.”

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